Quick Navigation
Spread betting is a type of sports betting where the stake is placed on the accurate outcome instead of the fixed choice of a winner. So, a bettor deals with digital performances like scores in the form of totals or point spreads. Even if the rules seem to be rather complicated, this activity is still very exciting due to the high returns and high risks it entails at the same time. Here you have to bet under conditions of extreme volatility.
Continue reading to learn all you need to know about spread betting in order to get a profit from it.
What Is Sports Spread Betting?
When you are going to benefit from spread betting, you are expected to place a bet on some point suggested by a sportsbook. This way is not so easy as a moneyline, where you should choose a winner regardless of the score. Beginners usually feel confused, but in fact, the rules are not very difficult. It is also important for beginners to learn the terms of spread betting. Let’s take a look at the most common ones:
- Moneyline: A bet placed on which team you think will win.
- Point Spread: The number of points in which the favorites are favored over the underdogs.
- Cover the Spread: When a team wins the point spread bet
- ATS: ‘Against the Spread’ means when a team wins or loses against the spread.
- Stake: The amount of money to be wagered.
- In-Play Bet: A bet placed on a sports event after it has begun.
- Push: Occurs when the result is a tie, you neither win nor lose so your bet will be refunded.
This form of betting is especially popular in basketball and football. You must predict the outcome of a considered sports event within a certain range of points. If your assumptions are right, you will win and get back your deposit. If your prediction is wrong, you will lose your stake. Let’s consider the examples, which allow you to get a comprehensive idea of this betting type.
Credit: 888Sport
✅ The favorite
In any sporting event, there is a favorite, which is a player or team expected to win with a high probability. You will recognize it by a minus symbol located next to the number of the point spread. You can find this definition and other terms in our betting glossary.
Example:
Team 1 (-7.5).
A bettor, who has placed a stake on it will get his winnings if this team wins by eight or more points in this game. So, their score should be higher compared with the assigned point spread.
✅ The underdog
If there is a winner, it means that there is a loser. In sports betting, a player or team that will highly likely lose the game is known as an underdog. They come with a plus sign set in front of the number.
Example:
Team 1 (+4.5).
A bettor, who has placed a stake on it will get his winnings if a rival loses by four points or plays even worse in this game. So, their score should be worse compared with the assigned point spread.
How to Bet the Spread Online?
It is easy to place bets online nowadays. All that you are expected to do is find the appropriate sportsbook and log in, following the corresponding instructions.
We recommend looking at our reviews. We help you to find trusted betting sites.
Then, the actions are almost the same on any betting website:
- Look through the sports offered by the service provider and click on the one you want to place a bet on.
- There will be a list of games and predicted point spreads, which should be investigated. Calculate your winnings and losses.
- When you have decided on your choice, click on the points with a “-” sign or the points with a “+” sign. Remember that the former are the favorites and the latter are the underdogs.
- Complete the process by placing your bet.
How to Read the Odds on a Spread with Examples
✅ NFL Spread Betting Example
The Chicago Bears are a -9.5 favorite against the Buffalo Bills (the underdog).
Chicago Bears would have to win by 10 points or more to cover the spread. Buffalo Bills would have to win outright or lose by less than 10 points to cover the spread points of 9.5.
If Chicago Bears win by 10 or more points, Chicago Bears bettors win. If they win by less points, Buffalo Bills bettors win. If they win by exactly 9.5 points, it’s a “push” and the bet will be refunded.
✅ NBA Spread Betting Example
The Lakers are 7-points favorites against Warriors (the underdog). If Lakers win by 7 or more points, the Lakers bettors win. If they win by less than 7 points, the Warriors bettors win.
If Warriors win the game, Warriors bettors win. However, if Lakers win by exactly 7 points, the bets will be refunded.
Credit: William Hill
How to Calculate Payouts & Losses in Sports Spread Betting – [Example]
In this paragraph, we’ll explain how to understand potential profits or losses on a sports spread bet. Besides, we recommend looking at our 10 golden rules on how to bet in 2025.
In spread betting, a bettor should be very close to the specified points to win more (or lose less). Here, a bettor should be skilled enough to understand the outcome and judge the teams.
Let’s remember that there are three key types of odds, which differ in the way they are assigned and read. If we take the European or decimal odds, we’ll see the number of a bettor’s winnings, provided that he has placed a bet of $1.
In the case of sports spread betting, the calculation is different. Here the spread is a prediction for the considered sports event, specified as a range. Winnings and losses here are not defined with the help of odds. They depend on the difference between an actual outcome and a prediction.
Example:
The spread for total goals in a football match is 2.8 – 3.0.
- If you believe that the outcome will be higher than 3.0, you should buy. The buying price is 3.0. The higher the actual outcome is, the more you win.
Let’s say the outcome is 4.2. The winning will be calculated on the basis of the difference between the actual outcome and the higher score in a range: 4,2 – 3,0 = 1,2. This gap is multiplied by your wager to calculate your winnings. Let’s say you place a bet in the amount of $100. Your winnings will be $100 x 1,2 = $120.
Now let’s say that you buy, but the outcome is 2. The difference is 2 – 3 = -1. This performance is multiplied by your wager to calculate the loss. Let’s say you place a bet in the amount of $100. Your losses will be $100 x(-1)= -$100.
- If you believe that the outcome will be lower than 2.8, you should sell. The selling price is 2.8. The lower the actual outcome is, the more you win.
When you buy, you should subtract the purchase price from the outcome. If the result is positive, you’ll win. If the result is negative, you’ll lose.
When you sell, you should subtract the outcome from the selling price. If the result is positive, you’ll win. If the result is negative, you’ll lose.
If you’re still confused, you can choose simpler betting types, for example, the moneyline.
7 Main Advantages of Sports Spread Betting
- Bigger Winning Potentials for Sports Fans: In sports spread betting, the amount you can win or lose depends on the score. Thus, you can win quite a lot if you are correct to the fullest degree.
- The Risk Is Not as Great as You Think: The chances to lose a deposit are much lower. You can choose the time and size of your bet and mitigate your risks.
- More Markets, More Variety, More Opportunities: There are many more options if you compare this betting type with others.
Credit: 22Bet
- Spread Bet In-Play: In-play betting is possible. You can close out bets completely or partially during the game
- Bet Over a Whole Meeting or Tournament Rather Than Specific Race or Match: Here you can choose bets for various periods of time and various events, like a single match or an entire sports tournament. If you bet on horse races, you can place a wager on winning distances, for instance
- Bet on Specific Players or Jockeys: You can choose any player to place your bet on. For example, in football, you are expected to predict his performance in the match or tournament.
- No Limit on Winning: Your winnings are not restricted by odds or any other limits set by some sportsbooks
What’s the Most Important Advice To Give to Beginner Sports Bettors?
The below information is not a magic wand guaranteeing your success, but by following the recommendations, you will increase your chances of capturing the full benefits of this betting type.
- Use Multiple Betting Sites: We advise signing up to several sports betting websites as point spreads are different and you have the possibility to choose the most favorable conditions. The difference can be a half-point only, but it still increases your potential gain.
- Focus on Those Sports and Markets that You Are Already Familiar With: Take betting as an intellectual activity instead of pure gambling. Research, understand factors impacting the outcome, know the players, and comprehend the game itself.
- Consider Key Numbers: In sports spread betting, there are key numbers, particularly in football. The games are commonly decided by 3 or 7 points. Take these statistics into account when you place a bet.
- Understand the Difference in Volatility in Different Markets: There is a rather high level of volatility in spread betting markets, and you should get insight into this subject to manage your risk.
- Bet With Small Stakes as a Beginner: Do not stake a large amount because a mistake is highly possible. You should learn all the rules, understand the available options, and become aware of the sport.
- Think of the Worst-case Scenario: Remove the idea of false dawn when over-optimism makes you place a risky bet because of the high potential profit. Do not forget about the worst-case scenario and consider it every time you want to earn more.
- Set a Budget and Stick to It: You should have a budget for betting and avoid exceeding it. Financial management will prevent you from overspending.
- Check the Betting Rules: Ensure that you understand the betting rules when you join a new sportsbook or when you are going to place every bet. The rules for various wagers can be different.
Credit: 22Bet
- Keep Watching: When you choose betting in-play, you should be fast in your response to the changes related to the sports event you are betting on.
Credit: 22Bet
- Have Fun: You should have fun when betting. Keep your cool, have your wits about the possible losses, and take a break and restart with a better understanding.
Conclusion
This is not a complicated betting type, but it requires your attention, engagement, and some practice.
You will succeed in this activity if you do research and predict wisely, considering the above information. We warn against carefree attitudes. Betting is not as simple as it seems, but it is an engrossing activity that brings in quite large amounts of money. The point spread bets are almost the highest in the sports betting industry.
FAQ
How Does Spread Betting Differs from Fixed Odds Betting?
The key difference is the diversity of outcomes that are considered when your winnings or losses are calculated. With fixed odds, you have predetermined winnings or losses that are calculated on a simple ‘win or lose basis.
Are There Disadvantages to Sports Spread Betting?
If we have an advantage in sports spread betting, which is the potential for large winnings, we should also mention that the disadvantage is the potential for large losses. Balance these two parameters, and you will achieve the most stable result. However, if you are focused on big wins, you should be prepared for big losses as well.
What Does +7.5 Spread Mean in Betting?
+7.5 spread is about an underdog in a sports event. If you place your bet on this team and they lose by 7 or fewer points, you will win.
How Do You Read a Sports Spread?
When you see a “+” sign next to the number, this is an underdog who is believed to lose. When you see a “-” sign next to the number, this is a favorite who is believed to win. The former “gets” points, and the latter “gives” points.
What is a Push in Spread Betting?
If the outcome matches the number of the spread, it is called a push. For example, you place a bet on Team 1 (-4), and this team wins by four. It means your bet is “push”. In this case, your money will be refunded and the bet will end in a tie.
Are Spread Betting Earnings Limited?
There are no earning limits in this type of sports betting. You can earn as much as you want. But, there are limits related to your losses in the form of negative balance protection.
️